ComEd Takes Proactive Measures to Prepare for High Temperatures

CHICAGO, July 23 /PRNewswire/ -- In light of the high temperatures this weekend throughout its northern Illinois service territory, ComEd has taken steps to respond to any heat-related issues.

"ComEd is partnering with the City of Chicago and has developed plans to respond to the heat that include increased staffing in the event of power outages over the weekend," said Calvin Butler, senior vice president, ComEd Corporate Affairs. "Currently, the ComEd electric system is performing well and the company will continue to monitor conditions around the clock."

As always, ComEd will remain in contact with area public officials should any potential problems arise. If customers experience an outage or have any questions about their ComEd service, they are urged to call 1-800-EDISON-1 (1-800-334-7661).

Last summer was one of the coolest on record. So far this month, Chicago-area temperatures have averaged 87 degrees – or 4 degrees higher than the average high for the first 21 days of July 2009. Amid warmer temperatures last month, customers used 12 percent more electricity than in June 2009.

ComEd customers' bills are also reflecting a slight increase in residential electricity rates that went into effect June 1. The increase – an average of approximately 30 cents per day – stems from the increased cost of wholesale power that the Illinois Power Authority procures on behalf of ComEd customers. ComEd passes this cost through to customers without mark-up.

While it's tempting to just crank up the A/C to beat the heat, ComEd Energy Doctor Tim Melloch said now is the right time to change old habits in ways that can reduce your electricity usage and help keep more money in your pocket.

"The heat is on this summer," Melloch said. "Customers are seeing higher bills as a result of higher electricity usage needed to allow people to cool their homes. However, by changing a few old habits, there are a number of ways for customers to combat the heat and lower their bills."

Melloch offered the following tips:

• Keep thermostats at a constant, comfortable level (75 to 78 degrees) when at home. Lowering the thermostat setting below the desired temperature will not cool the home faster.
• To reduce heat and moisture during the warmest part of the day, run appliances such as ovens, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers in the early morning or evening hours when it's generally cooler outside. Also, use a microwave to cook, or barbecue outside, if possible.
• Keep shades, blinds and curtains closed. About 40 percent of unwanted heat comes through windows. Simply drawing blinds and curtains, which act as a layer of insulation, can reduce heat gain to your home. Awnings are even better, and can reduce heat gain by up to 75 percent. Window coatings and window film can reflect as much as 80 percent of direct rays from the sun.
• Keep doors to the outside, garage or attic firmly closed to keep cool air in and hot air out.
• Use fans to evenly distribute cool air and reduce the air conditioner's "on" time.
• Place window air conditioners on the north or shady side of the house to avoid overworking the unit in the hot daytime sun.

Melloch also suggests turning off all unnecessary lighting, appliances and electronic devices to lessen heat to the home and save electricity.

"Think about how much warmer a room can get if you have four or five people in it. Similarly the more appliances one has running, the more heat that will create, which requires more energy to cool," he said.

Melloch also advises those in the market for a new air conditioner to look for Energy Star-qualified A/C units, which will be at least 10 percent more efficient than conventional models. It's a buying decision that can translate into savings of $20 to $95 per year and also reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions.

And to avoid overworking the unit in the hot daytime sun, place it on the north or shady side of the house, the Energy Doctor added.

Customers can further reduce their energy consumption year round and lower their bills by applying other energy saving ideas from ComEd's Smart Ideas(sm) for Your Home, a portfolio of easy to apply energy-efficient approaches. Visit www.ComEd.com/SmartIdeas.

Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd) is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), one of the nation's largest electric utilities with approximately 5.4 million customers. ComEd provides service to approximately 3.8 million customers across northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state's population.

SOURCE ComEd